I Taught Zhu Di to Lie Low, and He Made Old Zhu Retire Early

Su Chen became an instructor at the Prince of Yan's residence. His motto was: Don't compete, don't fight, and don't draw attention to yourself.

He taught Zhu Di how to steer clear of all of Old Zhu's hot buttons and how to be an utterly inconspicuous prince.

But Su Chen had no idea that everything he taught Zhu Di about “strategic forbearance” had been overheard by Zhu Yuanzhang and Zhu Biao.

Zhu Yuanzhang: You little rascal, teaching my son to “retreat in order to advance”? These ideas on governing are absolutely brilliant!

Zhu Biao: Fourth Brother is so considerate. He's endured all this just to spare me the trouble? He has to be the one to become emperor!

And so, the most ridiculous scene in history unfolded.

Zhu Di was doing everything he could to refuse being named heir, while Old Zhu was doing everything he could to gather evidence of Zhu Di's excellence.

Zhu Di: “Teacher, I did exactly as you told me. Why do they look at me with more and more admiration?”

Su Chen: ...Maybe this is what a true emperor for the ages looks like.